Living abroad and staying connected to culture

Moving to another country is exciting; however, it also comes with moments of distance from everything familiar. Living abroad and staying connected to culture can feel challenging at first. For Alexandra Barcha, living abroad became a journey of discovering independence while reconnecting with her Lebanese culture in unexpected ways.

Over time, cooking, music, and cultural traditions became meaningful ways to stay connected to home. As a result, what initially felt like distance slowly turned into an opportunity to rediscover the importance of culture and identity.

How living abroad changed my relationship with culture

When I first moved abroad, many daily routines changed. Consequently, being far from family and the environment I grew up in made me realize how much culture shapes everyday life. Simple things like food, language, and traditions suddenly felt more meaningful than before.

At the same time, living abroad created a completely new perspective. Instead of taking culture for granted, I began to notice how important it was to maintain small connections with home. For example, even hearing familiar music from iconic Lebanese artists or remembering traditional dishes could bring a sense of comfort.

In fact, these moments reminded me that culture does not disappear when you move away. On the contrary, distance often makes you appreciate it even more.

Cooking as a way to reconnect with home

One of the most unexpected passions I developed while living abroad was cooking. At first, cooking was simply a necessity of student life. In other words, preparing meals was part of becoming independent and managing everyday responsibilities.

However, over time, cooking became something much more meaningful. More specifically, preparing Lebanese dishes allowed me to reconnect with familiar flavours and memories from home (you can learn more about Lebanese cuisine). Recipes that once seemed ordinary suddenly became special. As a result, cooking these meals became a way to recreate small pieces of my culture, even while being far away.

For Alexandra Barcha, the kitchen became a place where culture, memory, and creativity naturally come together.

Living abroad and staying connected to culture through food and music

In addition to food, music became another powerful connection to culture. Listening to songs from home or attending concerts by Lebanese artists can instantly bring back memories and emotions.

Even while living in a different country, these moments make the distance feel smaller. Moreover, they serve as a reminder of where I come from and who I am.

Not only does cooking reconnect me to home, but it also creates opportunities to share culture with others. For instance, preparing Lebanese food for friends allows them to discover new flavors and traditions.

As a result, these experiences often lead to meaningful conversations and curiosity. Ultimately, food becomes a bridge between cultures and people.

Conclusion: living abroad and staying connected to culture

Overall, living abroad is often described as a journey of independence. Nevertheless, it can also become a journey of rediscovering identity.

For Alexandra Barcha, cooking, music, and cultural traditions became meaningful ways to stay connected to home. In the end, living abroad and staying connected to culture transformed food and music from everyday habits into powerful reminders of belonging and identity.